MANILA – Sen. Risa Hontiveros said Thursday she has submitted to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) the identities of hundreds of social media users who allegedly threatened to kill her, following the fatal shooting of political vlogger Alicia Lipata, also known online as “Mima Alicia.”

Lipata, 24, a pro-administration vlogger known for her political commentaries and criticism of Vice President Sara Duterte and her allies, was shot dead in Caloocan City on July 17.

The Philippine National Police has identified two suspects in the case, although authorities are still investigating the motive behind the killing.

In a statement, Hontiveros said some online reactions to Lipata’s death went beyond political disagreement, with several users allegedly celebrating the incident while others claimed she would be “the next” target.

“We are taking these threats seriously. My staff has routinely deleted and reported these disturbing comments on Facebook, and we have submitted to the NBI the names and screenshots of hundreds of Facebook users who have threatened to kill me,” she said.

Hontiveros called on social media platforms and law enforcement agencies to strengthen efforts against violent online behavior, saying death threats should not be treated as part of normal political discourse.

“Hindi dapat maging normal sa atin ang pagbabanta sa buhay ng ating kapwa. Kahit gaano kalalim ang pagkakaiba natin sa pulitika, may hangganan ang ating mga pagtatalo (Threatening the lives of others must never become normal in our society. No matter how deep our political differences may be, our disagreements must have limits). We cannot allow such hatred to cost another life. We are better than this,” Hontiveros said.PNA